What did Jesus mean by forgive us our debts?

Asked by: Prof. Kory Klein  |  Last update: April 26, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (67 votes)

“Forgive us our debts” suggests that we have done things that we should not have done, and left undone things we should have done. “Forgive us our trespasses” comes from the Book of Common Prayer, which is why many people use the word trespasses. The Geneva Bible and the King James Bible used the word debts.

What did Jesus say about forgiving debt?

Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.

What does it mean to forgive a debt?

With debt forgiveness, creditors pardon some or all of your debt. Various types of debt may qualify for forgiveness. Debt forgiveness can offer relief from overwhelming financial burdens, but it does have downsides. Debt forgiveness is only one option for managing difficulties with repayment.

What is the parable of forgiveness of debt?

The 'Parable of the Unforgiving Servant' is from the Christian Bible: Matthew 18:21-35. It details the story of a servant who was forgiven a massive (unrepayable) debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively small debt.

What are we asking God based on this prayer and forgive us our debts?

When we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors,” we pray that we would all experience the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus as we confess our sin, by extending forgiveness and grace to ourselves and those who have sinned against us.

Forgive Us Our Debts

30 related questions found

What did Jesus mean when he said "forgive us our debts"?

The word debt suggests we owe God something we cannot pay. “Forgive us our debts” suggests that we have done things that we should not have done, and left undone things we should have done. “Forgive us our trespasses” comes from the Book of Common Prayer, which is why many people use the word trespasses.

What is the difference between a trial and a temptation?

It is important to understand the difference between trials and temptations: TEMPTATIONS are situations designed by Satan to draw us away from God. TRIALS are situations designed by God to draw us closer to Himself.

Does the Bible say to forgive debt after 7 years?

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 15, God says that every seven years, creditors should “remit the claim that is held against a neighbor” because “the Lord's remission has been proclaimed.” In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, ...

What did Jesus teach about debt?

Matthew 6:12 is Jesus' second reference to lending- related terms, this time focusing on our debt to God and those in debt to us: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Like Matthew 5:42 above, this teaching is included in the Sermon on the Mount, directed both to the disciples and the world ...

Where in the Bible does it say forgive us our debts?

Matthew 6:12-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

'And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

What is the only debt that Cannot be forgiven?

Key Takeaways. Types of debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy include alimony, child support, and certain unpaid taxes. Other types of debt that cannot be alleviated in bankruptcy include debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

What is considered forgiven debt?

If your debt is forgiven or discharged for less than the full amount owed, the debt is considered canceled for the forgiven or discharged amount that you no longer need to pay. Cancellation of a debt may occur if the creditor can't collect, or gives up on collecting, the amount you're obligated to pay.

How do I forgive myself for debt?

How To Forgive Yourself For Financial Mistakes And Move On
  1. Examine what you've learned.
  2. Discover your triggers.
  3. Shift your mindset toward forgiveness and action.
  4. Make a plan.
  5. Give yourself the same compassion you'd give to others.

Is being in debt a sin?

The Bible never says that going into debt is a sin. However, it issues a very stark warning: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender”.

Is it good or bad to forgive debt?

The bottom line. While credit card debt forgiveness can be a valuable tool for some, it's not always the best solution. Before entering this or any other type of debt relief program, it's crucial to carefully assess your financial situation, consider the long-term implications and explore all available options.

What did Jesus ask forgiveness for?

At the height of His agony, at the very moment when most victims of crucifixion might scream out in fury with a curse, Christ prayed for forgiveness for His tormentors: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

What does the Bible say about forgive debts?

Bible Gateway Deuteronomy 15 :: NIV. At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite.

How to overcome the spirit of debts?

Seven Steps to Killing off the Debt Demon
  1. Determine where you are. Take out the adding machine and add up what you owe, on everything! ...
  2. Ask for forgiveness. ...
  3. Give thanks. ...
  4. Put a freeze on borrowing. ...
  5. Make a repayment plan. ...
  6. Be accountable. ...
  7. Reward yourself.

What debt did Jesus pay for us?

All of us have a spiritual debt we cannot pay, but the Bible tells us God has paid our debt! He canceled the payment due for our sins and instead accepted the payment His Son Jesus provided when He died on the cross (Colossians 2:14). God grants this freedom to all who choose to follow Jesus (Colossians 2:13).

What is the parable about forgiving debt?

Jesus tells a parable about the servant of a king. The king forgives the man's enormous, unpayable debt. In turn, the servant refuses to forgive the much smaller debt owed him by another and has that man thrown in prison. The king is furious and asks the servant why he did not show the same mercy he had been given.

Are all debts forgiven after 7 years?

It's a question many people ask, especially when they have accounts in collections or are trying to rebuild their credit. The answer depends on the type of debt. In most cases, these negative marks will drop off your report after seven years, but certain debts can stick around for up to 10 years — or even longer.

What happens every 7 years in the Bible?

In Leviticus 25, we find the first reference to Jubilee, as part of the law given by Yahweh to the Israelites. These verses describe God's intent that the Israelites should remain free from slavery for all time by instituting a Sabbath year every seven years.

What are Jesus 3 temptations?

As a result of the temptations, Jesus was stronger and more prepared for his ministry because he had rejected three false ways of doing his task: providing only for people's material needs. using his power to do miraculous tricks and win popularity. giving in to evil in order to gain political power.

Why does God allow trials and disappointments?

God allows trials to test our faith.

However, He doesn't do so with the expectation that we will fail. Rather, He wants us to learn greater dependence on Him. Unproven, untried faith can't grow without a challenge; if it has not been tested, how do we know what we can endure in life?

What does the great tribulation mean?

In the futurist view of Christian eschatology, the Great Tribulation is a relatively short period of time where everyone will experience worldwide hardships, persecution, disasters, famine, war, pain, and suffering, which will affect all of creation, and precede judgment of all when the Second Coming takes place.